International
More diplomats needed with Mandarin skills say MPs. “Speaking to people in their own language is key to understanding what drives their politics and influences the outcome. We need to invest not just in Mandarin but other Chinese languages and speak to people directly if we’re going to address the challenges we face,” says CRG Chair Tom Tugendhat. The Times, 24 August
How China uses Muslim press trips to counter claims of Uighur abuse. The Guardian, 23 August
Anxiety grows as China’s Three Gorges dam hits highest level. The Guardian, 20 August
After Covid, China’s Leaders Face New Challenges From Flooding. NY Times, 21 August
With China tensions rising, U.S. joins Taiwan to mark battle anniversary. Reuters, 23 August
Beijing parades strength in waters off Taiwan. The Times, 21 August
In China’s Orbit. The number of satellites is rapidly increasing, and China operates the second-most of any country. The Wire China, 23 August
Whispers of 076, China’s Drone Carrying Assault Carrier. The Diplomat, 21 August
Who Will Lead the Pacific Islands Forum? The Diplomat, 20 August
China's Xi Jinping facing widespread opposition in his own party, insider claims. Cai Xia, who has been expelled from the elite Central Party School, says president’s ‘unchecked power’ has made China ‘the enemy of the world’. The Guardian, 18 August
China has been giving potential coronavirus vaccine to key workers since July. Head of National Health Commission says government has authorised ‘emergency use’ of treatment for staff in high-risk jobs. The Guardian, 24 August
Trouble on China’s Periphery: The Stability-Instability Paradox. The Diplomat, 18 August
Hong Kong: US suspends extradition treaty over national security law. BBC News, The Times, 20 August
Hong Kong censorship fears as protest slogans removed from some textbooks. The Guardian, 19 August
Economy & tech
TikTok to launch legal action against Trump over ban. BBC News, The Guardian, NY Times, 23 August
Government row over TikTok's London HQ move. The Telegraph, 22 August
In China, newly-listed ChiNext shares surge in historic reform. Shares of 18 companies surged on their ChiNext debut on Monday, kicking off a historic reform that will see Shenzhen officially challenge Shanghai for tech listings, while adding fuel to a “technology war” with the United States. Reuters, Global Times, 24 August
Huawei: US tightens restrictions on Chinese giant. BBC News, 17 August
Longer reads & opinion
The heavy hand of this national security law is crushing Hong Kong's press. The Guardian, 17 August
Podcast: The Indo-Pacific Triangle: China, India, and the United States. War on the Rocks, 21 August
China and the United States Are in a Race to Lose Power. Foreign Policy, 17 August
It’s Time for Western Universities to Cut Their Ties to China. Foreign Policy, 19 August
Why Trump won’t stop at Huawei. The Spectator, 19 August